General Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Join Us in Building Something Special
Sweet Lawn Farm is a new restaurant and wine destination in Versailles, Kentucky. Inspired by the hospitality traditions of Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, Sweet Lawn brings together seasonal breakfast and lunch, Caymus wines, select Kentucky wines, and genuine hospitality in a relaxed farm setting. We're looking for an experienced hospitality leader who enjoys taking care of people and is excited to help build something special from the ground up.

 

Position Summary

The General Manager will lead the overall operation of Sweet Lawn Farm, overseeing the restaurant, guest experience, wine program, retail operations, and daily business performance. Working closely with the Chef and ownership, the General Manager will build and lead a hospitality team that delivers exceptional service while creating a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who thrives on building teams, developing people, and creating memorable guest experiences.

 

Leadership & Culture

· Lead and inspire the Sweet Lawn team by creating a positive, professional, and guest-focused culture.

· Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop front-of-house team members.

· Conduct daily pre-service meetings and ongoing hospitality training.

· Create staff schedules and manage labor efficiently.

· Foster teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Guest Experience

· Ensure every guest receives warm, genuine hospitality from arrival to departure.

· Build lasting relationships with guests and encourage repeat visits.

· Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.

· Establish Sweet Lawn as one of Kentucky's premier hospitality destinations.

 

Restaurant Operations

· Oversee all daily breakfast and lunch operations.

· Maintain exceptional standards for cleanliness, organization, and service.

· Collaborate closely with the Chef and kitchen team to ensure seamless execution and communication.

· Monitor inventory, supplies, and operational needs.

· Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations.

 

Wine Program & Retail

· Become an expert on the history of Caymus Vineyards, the Wagner family, and the winery's portfolio.

· Confidently share the Caymus story and educate guests on Caymus wines and select Kentucky wines.

· Oversee all wine retail operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and sales performance.

· Drive wine sales and create engaging guest experiences centered around wine.

 

Group Hospitality

· Coordinate and welcome tour bus groups and larger parties.

· Ensure efficient service while maintaining a personalized guest experience.

· Work with local tourism partners to position Sweet Lawn as a destination worth visiting.

 

Financial & Business Management

· Manage daily sales reporting, labor costs, and operating expenses.

· Assist in developing annual budgets and achieving financial goals.

· Analyze business performance and identify opportunities for growth.

· Maintain strong operational systems and procedures that support long-term success.

 

Qualifications

· 5+ years of restaurant, hospitality, winery, hotel, or resort management experience.

· Proven leadership experience managing successful hospitality teams.

· Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Passion for hospitality, food, wine, and guest service.

· Ability to lead by example in a hands-on environment.

· Availability to work weekends and holidays.

· Wine knowledge or formal wine education is preferred.

· Experience opening a new restaurant or hospitality concept is a plus.

 

Why Sweet Lawn Farm?

Sweet Lawn Farm offers a rare opportunity to help build a new hospitality destination from the ground up. Inspired by the hospitality traditions of Caymus Vineyards, Sweet Lawn combines seasonal cuisine, exceptional wines, and genuine service in the heart of Kentucky horse country.

If you're passionate about leading people, creating exceptional guest experiences, and building something that guests and employees are proud to be part of, we'd love to meet you.